By Tejiri Ebikeme
Oil and Gas Major, Chevron Niger Limited, CNL says it started the annual Chris Ikomi Essay Competition 16 years ago to promote the study of English Language and Essay Writing among public and privately owned Secondary School Students in Delta State.
The General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Chevron, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn gave the explanation last Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State Capital during the presentation of scholarship awards to the six winners of the 2017 late Chris Ikomi Essay Competition.
Mr. Brikinn who was represented by the Area Manager, PGPA Field Operations, Mr. Sam Daibo noted that the competition is organized to honour one of Chevron’s employees who lost his life during Niger Delta Crisis.
The CNL Boss explained that the competition has continued to grow and gain popularity, adding that the partnership with Delta State Ministry of Education has greatly helped in consolidating on the progress so far made in the quest at improving the teaching and learning of English Language as well as Essay Writing through the competition.
According to Mr. Daibo, the theme of his year’s competition is ‘Waste to Wealth’ and it’s in line with Chevron’s commitment to protecting the environment.
He stressed that Chevron has over the years shown great dedication to quality education via investment in educational infrastructure, sponsorship, provision of scholarships as well as manpower development programmes.
In his remark, Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, commended Chevron for the sustenance of the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition and disclosed that over 1,100 students participated in this year’s competition, while 118 students took part in the final stage.
Our Correspondent reports that the winner of this year’s competition in the Junior Secondary School category competition is Eseoghene Asisisi of a three-month old school at Asaba, Royal Mira All Saints International College.
Second Position went to Onukwu Chukwudimma Emmanuel of Zappa Basic Secondary School, Asaba, while a JSSIII Student of Immaculate Conception Girls’ Secondary School, Obeti Oliogo in Ukwuani Local Government Area emerged third.
In the Senior Secondary School Category, Afeli Daniel, Osakwe Pendora and Nzei Victor came out first, second and third respectively.
